A Fat-Blocking Soda?

You say you could stand to lose a few pounds? And you hate to diet? Abhor exercise? Never fear; there’s a soda for that—or at least that's what Pepsi wants you to believe.

Pepsi Japan is launching a new pop that claims to bust fat, according to Food Navigator. Called Pepsi Special, the fizzy drink is marketed as having a "crisp and refreshing taste," along with the ability to assist in weight loss.

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So what’s the secret weapon in this skinnifying soda? Say hello to dextrin, a water-soluble form of fiber that reduces fat levels in the blood and may even help suppress appetite.

But should you be popping open a six-pack of Pepsi Special anytime soon?

Nutritionist Paula Simpson doesn’t think so. Dextrin is typically used as a thickening agent in foods, she says, and binds to nutrients in the gut, which can cause stomach bloating and cramping. It might also contain potential allergens like wheat or corn. “Also of concern is the potential for excess absorption or binding of other key nutrients within the gut, including healthy fats,” says Simpson.

An easier, healthier way to get your belly-slimming fiber in? Food. Whole grains, beans, fruits and veggies are particularly good ways to add water-soluble fiber to your diet.

Then there's the issue of soda in general—sugar-free, dextrin-infused, or not. Check out these 7 scary side effects of drinking soda, and then swap your soda sips for these healthier picks:

Water. We could sing the praises of water all day long: It’s the secret to fresh, dewy skin, and drinking at least four cups a day can help you lose weight, studies show. (Bored with plain water? See our creative ways to spruce up H2O.)

Black tea. Drink it hot, drink it iced—just drink it. A new study in the British Journal of Medicine found that consumption of black tea is associated with a lower risk of type-2 diabetes. That’s because it’s packed with amazing antioxidants. (Soda, by the way, isn't.) Get the most out of your brew with 5 Steps To A Perfect Cup Of Tea.

Coffee. Java is the top source of antioxidants among Americans. Drinking just one cup a day slashes your diabetes risk by 7%, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. And the stuff might even stave of certain kinds of cancer. Keep it free of sugar and whipped cream to reap the benefits.